Hft and home builder Lioncourt Homes have broken ground on a new supported living site, including 80 new homes, in Telford.

The learning disability charity currently provides support for 33 learning disable adults in a campus style setting on the site.

The redevelopment will see 12 of these new homes becoming accessible and adaptable supported living dwellings for people supported by Hft, enabling greater independence in their everyday lives.

“This landmark redevelopment enables Hft to transition from a residential to a supported living environment, which will enable us to deliver even better person-centred care and support,” said Kirsty Matthews, chief executive of Hft.

“The original services were built in 1987 so the buildings are now dated and don’t offer as much independence to the people we currently support there.

“These new supported living, accessible homes are in tune with our future strategic aims where we will work in partnership with learning disabled people to live where and how they choose within their local communities.

“Hft is striving to provide a fully inclusive environment that supports people to live as independently and safely as possible. Our interior design, including the use of colour, materials and products, will be dementia and autistic friendly, making these dwellings attractive, homely and practical for learning disabled people.

“Hft’s future strategy points to us providing care and support in thriving, local community settings where the people in our care can live as independently, and with as much choice and control as possible.”

Following discussions with the current residents and their families about what they would like to see, the redevelopment will include fully accessible and sustainably designed houses and bungalows for learning disabled people, complete with shared communal spaces and kitchens, private gardens and parking.

“The Ironbridge development aims to enable a more independent life through greater choice and control, and help to build meaningful connections and relationships with other residents and the wider community,” Matthews said.

The first Hft supported living property will be completed in mid-2024 and the last one will be ready in February 2025.